Team Programs
What makes your group excel — or get stuck? Our facilitators design engaging, interactive experiences that spark connection while exploring group dynamics, challenging assumptions, and uncovering new ways to communicate, collaborate, and achieve together.
We partner with university groups, students, healthcare teams, corporate executives, nonprofits, and community organizations to deliver intention-driven programs that foster trust, resilience, and high-performance teamwork.
Adventure Leadership helps teams flourish by facilitating meaningful connections between people and the environment, engaging communities in purposeful, collaborative experiences that inspire lasting growth.
We believe meaningful team growth happens at the intersection of challenge and reflection.
Our programs are:
- Custom-built for your organization’s objectives, team dynamics, and comfort levels.
- Inclusive & adaptive, enabling each participant to engage in ways that suit their needs and abilities.
- Wellness-focused, supporting both individual and collective development.
- Evidence-based, using experiential education models, group development theory, and therapeutic techniques to create lasting, measurable impact.
Facilitators guide your group through an action-reflection model, ensuring every challenge is paired with thoughtful dialogue about lessons learned and how to apply them beyond the program.
Located on 150 acres in northeast Ann Arbor, our Adventure Education Center offers:
- Low Elements & Initiatives – ground-level activities for strengthening communication, trust, and problem-solving
- High Ropes Course – harnessed, rope and cable-based elements for encouraging courage, calculated risk-taking, and mutual support
- Zip Line – ideal for building confidence and celebrating milestones
- Place-based Adventures – specialty outdoor programs delivering mindful, memorable connections in nature
- Retreat & Meeting Spaces – a 3,000 square-foot facility for workshops, strategy sessions, and leadership retreats
Beyond our beautiful space, we offer:
- Offsite & Portable Programs: bring the team building experience to your location, adaptable for indoor or outdoor spaces
- Virtual Programs: remote, facilitator-led sessions designed to strengthen communication, problem-solving, and community across distance
Our Commitment
Your team’s physical safety and socioemotional well-being are our highest priority.
- We provide professional facilitation and industry-standard equipment.
- We adapt programming to meet a diverse range of abilities, comfort levels, and goals.
- We encourage mindful engagement and emphasize choice in participation.
- We adhere to Association for Challenge Course Technology safety standards.
Our Impact
Our programs deliver measurable results that extend far beyond the program day. Organizations leave with stronger leadership capacity at all levels, clearer and more confident communication, deeper trust, and the ability to collaborate under pressure. Teams build resilience, adaptability, and a shared sense of purpose – essential qualities for thriving in today’s complex and fast-changing environments. We focus on creating experiences that not only engage but also transform, fostering enduring cohesion, and sustained high performance.
When asked about the most significant change from participating in our programs, our participants have shared:
- “My students were able to connect on another level.”
- “My coworkers feel more comfortable with one another. They became more willing to offer help and communicate.”
- “Our team is much more comfortable communicating with one another.”
- “Employees reported feeling more at ease with one another and feeling as if they are a part of a community.”
- “The most significant change has been an increase in confidence.”
- “My staff has a greater understanding of the expectations placed on them in their roles.”
- “The program advanced the ability of our group to work together as a team towards one goal.”
Are We the Right Fit?
We want your Adventure Leadership experience to be impactful, seamless, and strategically aligned with your organization’s needs. Before you submit your inquiry, please review these readiness guidelines:
- Group Size — Groups are billed for at least 8 participants; smaller and larger groups are welcome (up to 60 participants at a time on-site) and programming will be scaled accordingly.
- Date Ready — Identify multiple date options before contacting us.
- Timeline Ready — Be certain you have the ability to finalize goals, budget, and logistics at least three weeks prior to your program date.
- Reservation Fee — Be prepared to pay a non-refundable reservation fee within 10 business days of invoicing to secure your date.
- Participation Requirements — All participants must be high school age or older, wear closed-toe shoes, dress for the environment, complete the online release before arrival, maintain sobriety and remain smoke-free throughout programming, and follow facilitator guidance while engaging with professionalism and respect.
If your team isn’t ready on one or more of these items, consider returning when you are so we can deliver a fully customized program that achieves your desired outcomes.
Have questions about submitting your inquiry? We encourage you to book a time with us to discuss your goals, review options, and ensure your group is fully prepared for an unforgettable Adventure Leadership experience.
Your Path from Inquiry to Program Day
Step 1 – Submit the Inquiry Form: Share your group’s details, preferred dates, size, and program objectives. Expect a response within 4 business days.
Step 2 – Intake & Program Design: Collaborate with an Adventure Leadership Coordinator to craft a program tailored to your group, including activities, schedule, location, and goals.
Step 3 – Reserve Your Date: Secure your spot by paying the Reservation Fee within 10 business days of invoicing.
Step 4 – Participant Numbers & Billing: Three weeks before your program, confirm the final participant count. Your group will be billed at this time for the reported participants. Additional participants after this deadline incur a 1.5× surcharge per person.
Step 5 – Meet Your Lead Facilitator: One week before your program, review final details, distribute the Participant Guide, ensure release forms are completed, and confirm logistics.
Step 6 – Program Day: Arrive ready to engage fully, collaborate effectively, and embrace challenges.
Step 7 – After Your Program: Receive follow-up communication, shared photos, and your final invoice (if any remaining balance exists), due within 10 business days of delivery.
Program Scheduling
By reserving an Adventure Leadership program on behalf of an organization, company, team, department, class, or group, you agree to the following terms and conditions on behalf of the entire group:
Reservation & Payment
- A program reservation is not confirmed until the appropriate reservation fee is paid in full.
- Payment of the reservation fee must be received within ten (10) business days of invoicing to confirm and secure the program date.
- The minimum group size for billing is eight (8) participants. Groups with fewer than eight participants will be billed at the minimum program cost for eight participants.
Participant Numbers & Billing
- The group will be billed for the number of participants reported to Adventure Leadership three (3) weeks prior to the first scheduled program date.
- There will be no refunds if fewer than the expected or reported number of participants attend the program.
- If additional participants join the program after the reporting deadline, they will be billed at a surcharge of 1.5x the initial per-person rate.
- In limited circumstances, Adventure Leadership will attempt to accommodate changes to participant numbers when communicated in advance of the program date(s), though accommodation is not guaranteed.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
- Groups that cancel their program within three (3) weeks of the first program date are not eligible for a refund.
- Groups requesting to reschedule within the three-week window prior to their program date will incur a non-refundable charge equal to 20% of the expected program total, billed to the group’s shortcode or card on file.
- Exceptions for extreme circumstances may be considered at the sole discretion of the Adventure Leadership Senior Assistant Director.
Program Modifications & Weather
- Certain activities or entire events may be modified or canceled by Adventure Leadership staff due to severe weather, environmental conditions, or safety concerns.
- In such cases, Adventure Leadership may offer to reschedule the program for a later date or provide a refund, depending on the nature of the activities delivered and the circumstances involved.
Program Authority & Cancellation
- Adventure Leadership staff reserve the right to cancel any program at any time for any reason, including but not limited to safety concerns, staffing limitations, facility access, or environmental conditions.
- Adventure Leadership programs are designed to provide experiential learning opportunities that promote growth, collaboration, and connection. The organizer is responsible for ensuring participants arrive prepared to engage fully, follow safety instructions, and uphold community values of respect and inclusion.
- Adventure Leadership staff maintain authority over program facilitation, safety decisions, and activity modifications during the event.
Program Participant
- Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the event location and any expenses incurred along the way. If a participant is not at the designated site on time, the Adventure Leadership staff will give a grace period of 15 minutes before starting the event, and will not take responsibility for the missing participant.
- Participants will wear closed-toe shoes with a heel strap.
- Participants will use a harness, helmet, any other necessary gear, and all challenge course elements in accordance with the original equipment manufacturer guidelines and as instructed by Adventure Leadership staff members.
- Participants will sign a Participation Consent and Release before engaging in any programming. Participants under the age of 18 may not participate in Adventure Leadership programs without a parent or legal guardian’s signature on the Participation Consent and Release form. Unaccompanied minors who arrive without the required signed form will not be permitted to participate, and program fees will not be refunded.
- Participants will use Adventure Leadership equipment only for challenge course events. Participants will not use personal equipment on challenge courses. Participants may use personal equipment only if the equipment is in good condition, has been properly stored, and has undergone inspection by an Adventure Leadership staff member.
- Participants will replace any damaged or lost equipment. Replacement and/or repair costs of equipment will be billed following the program.
- Participants will utilize life safety systems and incorporate spotting techniques as determined by Adventure Leadership staff members.
- Participants will maintain sobriety throughout programming. Participants will not smoke tobacco or other products, nor will they be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Pets will not be permitted within a program, with the exception of service animals. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Adventure Leadership staff reserves the right to ask if the service animal is required because of a disability and inquire about the work or task the dog has been trained to perform. In the case a participant is accompanied by a service animal, Adventure Leadership staff will accommodate the participant’s needs to the best of their ability.
- Adventure Leadership areas will not be utilized without the supervision of a designated, qualified person who has the skills, knowledge, experience, training, and judgment to perform activities satisfactorily as determined by an Assistant Director of Adventure Leadership.
- Participants will abide by all State, Federal, and/or International laws and will not engage in any action which could harm or embarrass any individual or the University of Michigan.
- Adventure Leadership staff reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time. Dismissal and removal of a participant will be at the cost of the participant.
Summer 2026 Adventure Leadership Paid Internship
About the internship.
Adventure Leadership is where teamwork, challenge, and the outdoors come together to build confidence and amplify self-discovery. As an intern, you’ll create meaningful connections between people and the environment through activity-based programs. From challenge course initiatives to high ropes experiences, you’ll design and lead custom programs for students, faculty, educators, nonprofits, community partners, and corporate organizations.
You’ll learn to craft purposeful adventures – whether facilitating a group’s first time gathering together or leading an overnight camping trip. Training is comprehensive, hands-on, and supportive. No prior experience required! Simply bring your curiosity and your commitment to learning something new every day.
Why Join Adventure Leadership?
You’ll gain:
- Professional skills that span all disciplines (things like group facilitation, risk management, team leadership).
- Certifications like Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Leave No Trace (LNT) Level 1 Instructor.
- Real-world experience leading diverse groups across campus and the community.
- Networking opportunities with professionals in recreation, education, medicine, business, and leadership development.
- A chance to design your own Capstone Project that aligns with your interests and career goals.
What we are looking for.
We’re seeking students who are:
- Clear communicators and meaning-makers.
- Calm and creative under pressure.
- Excited to work outdoors.
- Ready to collaborate across differences.
- Comfortable with heights, or ready to challenge themselves!
- Able to lift 40 lbs., traverse uneven ground, and work in all varieties of weather.
- Available at least three full days per week, including weekends, May through August 2026.
- Able to obtain First Aid/CPR/AED certification (can be completed before or during training).
What you will learn.
You’ll receive over 50 hours of paid training that covers:
- Models of group and team development.
- Experiential facilitation and reflection techniques.
- Outdoor and challenge course risk management practices.
- Leadership and communication skills.
- Strategies for building inclusive, high-trust group environments.
Key Dates
Application & Interviews
- Applications Due: Friday, February 6
- Group Interview I: Wednesday, February 11, 6PM-8PM
- Group Interview II: Wednesday, February 18, 6PM-8PM
- Individual Interviews: Wednesday, February 25 (by appointment)
- Offers Sent: Friday, February 28
Winter Semester Training
- Facilitation Training I-V: March 21 & 22, 9AM-4PM; March 25, April 1 & 8, 6PM-9PM; Prepares you for team building and initiative-based programs.
- Build Your Own Adventure: April 12; Introduces core activities and intentional reflection practices.
- High Ropes Tryouts: April 10 & 18; Optional hang time for those interested in Ropes Technician roles.
Core Outdoor Trainings
- Outdoor Educator Summit: May4-9 Overnight; Provides hands-on skills practice, required LNT Level 1 Instructor and WFA certification necessary to lead Nature Connections, Microadventures, and other place-based outdoor activities.
- Challenge Course Training: May 11-15, 9AM-5PM Daily; Low Elements May 11 – 12; High Ropes May 13 – 15; Required training and certification to utilize the elements at our Adventure Education Center (AEC) during programs.
- Skill Verification Days: May 18-19 & 23; Final step before scheduling eligibility in AEC program areas.
Summer Schedule
- Internship runs May through August 2026.
- Required training modules, bi-weekly evening in-services, and Peak Week (August 22-30) are MANDATORY.
- Projects and program hours continue through Fall 2026 based on performance.
How To Apply
Submit the following to [email protected] by February 6, 2026:
- Your résumé
- A short response (3-4 sentences each) to these prompts:
- How did you hear about this opportunity?
- What experience — formal or informal — has shaped your interest in adventure or experiential learning?
- What skills or qualities would make you an outstanding member of the 2026 internship cohort?
- Tell us about a time you took a risk and what you learned.
- Describe a time you resolved conflict with a group or individual.
- What do you hope to gain from this experience?
- List any known schedule conflicts (classes, travel, work, etc.) with the Key Dates or requirements.
If you have questions or would like more information contact:
Email: [email protected]